Toilet Seat Stabilizer

ABSTRACT

A support device for stabilizing toilet seats. The device is provided to add additional vertical and lateral support to toilet seats and related devices. It is a combination of existing and new materials configured with unique features that provide an effective, practical and economical way to add stability to new and existing toilet seats. The preferred embodiment of the stability device is comprised of a laterally extended, essentially flat structure; an extended structure essentially configured as a vertical downward protrusion; and a means to secure the device to the toilet seat wherein the device provides additional vertical support between an uppermost surface of the rim and the lower surface of the toilet seat and providing lateral support between an inner surface of the rim and the protruded extension of the device which is firmly secured to the toilet seat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/137,175 filed Jul. 28, 2008 by Billy Hobbs and entitled Support device for stabilizing toilet seats.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a special Support device for stabilizing toilet seats. Particularly this new device is related to devices and methods to provide additional vertical and lateral support to toilet seats and related devices. This special support device for stabilizing toilet seats is a new combination of existing and new materials configured with unique features that provide an effective, practical and economical way to provide a device to add stability to new and existing toilet seats. The preferred embodiment of the stability device is comprised of a laterally extended, essentially flat structure; an extended structure essentially configured as a vertical downward protrusion; and a means to secure the device to the toilet seat wherein the special device may be used to stabilize the toilet seat by providing additional vertical support between an uppermost surface of the rim and the lower surface of the toilet seat and providing lateral support between an inner surface of the rim and the protruded extension of the device which is firmly secured to the toilet seat.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

None.

BACKGROUND Field of Invention and Prior Art

A. Introduction of the Problems Addressed

The problem solved involves one related to a growing population of people in need of better stability of toilet seats. This need is derived from a population that is getting older, is less mobile, and may have additional weight than generations past. Even the young adolescents, young adults and middle-aged persons suffer from less mobility and are heavier than past generations. Particularly this new special support device for stabilizing toilet seats is related to devices and methods to add support and stability to new and existing toilet seats and thus relieve concerns from a seat less stable and “moving” with a jolt during use.

B. Prior Art

The historical technology focused on devices that only helped with fairly expensive and complex designs.

Examples of prior art are often for use with geriatric and persons of larger stature. Early efforts shows a simple (water) closet seat hinge from a 1916 U.S. Pat. No. 1,194,392 issued to Judd. No special support for lateral slippage is shown. Another device shows a complex toilet aid device issued in 1976 to Richards for U.S. Pat. No. 3,969,778. This reveals a complex bar system with handles and several support points, but again no lateral support for slippage is taught.

A very complex and adjustable toilet seat by Austinis taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,552 (1975). This device is extremely complex with many structural members and is relatively expensive compared to the Hobbs support device for stabilizing toilet seats. Finally, another U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,392 (2005) was issued to Karnopp, et al. The bariatric toilet seat support apparatus demonstrates a need but not a simple, inexpensive solution to a laterally slipping toilet seat.

The particular combinations of materials and features of the Hobbs application are unique and novel and are not anticipated by prior art. Likewise, use of the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats provides significant benefits compared to prior art devices. As far as known, there is no other special support device for stabilizing toilet seats at the present time which fully provide these improvements and functional characteristics as the present device. It is believed that this device is made with fewer parts with improved configurations and physical features to provide more functionality when compared to other currently utilized devices or methods to provide toilet seat stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A new special support device for stabilizing toilet seats has been developed and designed to provide a unique combination that is specifically related to devices and methods used with toilet seats and the like. It is used to increase vertical and lateral support for a toilet seat and to better stabilize a toilet seat under heavy loads. The device may be used with new and existing seats.

The preferred embodiment of the stability device is comprised of a laterally extended, essentially flat structure; an extended structure essentially configured as a vertical downward protrusion; and a means to secure the device to the toilet seat wherein the special device may be used to stabilize the toilet seat by providing additional vertical support between an uppermost surface of the rim and the lower surface of the toilet seat and providing lateral support between an inner surface of the rim and the protruded extension of the device which is firmly secured to the toilet seat.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

There are several objects and advantages of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats. There are currently no known stability devices for toilet seats that are effective at providing the objects of this invention.

The invention presented is the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats. This device relates to a growing need for better stability of toilet seats. This need is derived from a population that is getting older, is less mobile, and may have additional weight than generations past. Even the young adolescents, young adults and middle-aged persons suffer from less mobility and are heavier than past generations. Particularly this new special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats is related to devices and methods to add support and stability to new and existing toilet seats and thus relieve concerns from a seat less stable and “moving” with a jolt during use.

The following TABLE A summarizes various advantages and objects of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats. This list is exemplary and not limiting to the many advantages offered by this new device.

TABLE A Various Benefits, Advantages and Objects This device: ITEM BENEFIT 1. Increases weight capacity for toilet seats. 2. Eliminates or greatly reduces lateral slippage and sudden jolts as tabs fall off of the toilet rim 3. May be used with new (OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer) or refurbishing existing seats. 4. Is easy to install with simple tools. 5. Is easy to use. 6. Is relatively inexpensive as compared to other toilet seat support devices. 7. Is easy to manufacture. 8. Is easy to package and light to transport. 9. May be sold retail and wholesale and on the internet.

Noteworthy is that other advantages and additional features of the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the full description of the device. For one skilled in the art of toilet seats and related devices and applications, it is readily understood that the features shown in the examples with this device is readily adapted for improvement to other types of mechanisms and devices for use with the toilet industry in general and the stability of such devices in particular.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred and alternative embodiments for the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats. It is understood, however, that the device is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGS. 1 A through 1 E are sketches and views of the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats.

FIG. 2 shows the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats be used in its preferred mode on a toilet seat.

FIGS. 3 A through 3 C are sketches of methods to secure the new support device to the toilet seat. FIGS. 3 D and 3 E are further sketches and details.

FIGS. 4 A through 4 D show various toilet seats and examples for which the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats may be utilized.

FIGS. 5 A through 5 B shows the current means to support the toilet seat on the rim of the toilet bowl.

FIGS. 6 A through 6 C are sketches of the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats in alternate embodiments.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE B Reference numbers Ref # Description 31 the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats 31A Square ended embodiment 31B Rounded end embodiment 32 Toilet seat (made of various materials and in various configurations) 32A Toilet seat in lifted position to show the placement of the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats and current supports 32B Lower surface of the toilet seat 33 Current tabs and supports for existing toilet seats - may be fastened or molded integral to the seat 34 Toilet bowl rim 34A Uppermost surface of the rim 34B Inner surface of the rim 35 Toilet bowl lower structure between the rim and floor 36 Means to fasten the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats to the toilet seat 37 Fasteners such as wood screws and the like 37A Relatively shorter fastener 38 Kerfs/lines to adjust thickness if desired 39 Apertures for some types of fasteners if needed 40 Adhesive or the like 41 Duplicate process cut for the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats 42 Process cuts 43 Open-end seat and bowl 44 Closed end seat 45 extended structure essentially configured as a vertical downward protrusion 46 a laterally extended, essentially flat structure 51 Sketch of open-ended seat 52 Round end seat - composite, wood, plastic or acrylic 54 Lid open, footprint shown and tab supports 55 Lid closed tabs hidden 70 Use of the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats 71 Closed preferred embodiment 72 Alternative locations and number of the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats 72A Multiple side support devices 72B Rear support device

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

The present invention presented is the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats. This device relates to a growing need for better stability of toilet seats. Particularly this new special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats is related to devices and methods to add support and stability to new and existing toilet seats and thus relieve concerns from a seat less stable and “moving” with a jolt during use. The special support device for stabilizing toilet seats is a new combination of existing and new materials configured with unique features that provide an effective, practical and economical way to provide a device to add stability to new and existing toilet seats. The preferred embodiment of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats is comprised of a laterally extended, essentially flat structure 46; an extended structure 45 essentially configured as a vertical downward protrusion; and a means to secure 36 the device 31 to the toilet seat 32 wherein the special device 31 may be used to stabilize the toilet seat 32 by providing additional vertical support between an uppermost surface of the rim 34A and the lower surface 32B of the toilet seat 32 and providing lateral support between an inner surface of the rim 34B and the protruded extension 45 of the device 31 which is firmly secured to the toilet seat 32.

There is shown in FIGS. 1-6 a complete detail and operative embodiment of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1, 3, and 6 show detail of the special configuration and FIGS. 2,4,5, and 6 help describe its use and operation.

The advantages for the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are the device:

-   -   Increases weight capacity for toilet seats.     -   Eliminates or greatly reduces lateral slippage and sudden jolts         as tabs fall off of the toilet rim     -   May be used with new (OEM) or refurbishing existing seats.     -   Is easy to install with simple tools.     -   Is easy to use.     -   Is relatively inexpensive as compared to other toilet seat         support devices.     -   Is easy to manufacture.     -   Is easy to package and light to transport.     -   May be sold retail and wholesale and on the internet.

The preferred embodiment of a special support device for stabilizing a toilet seat 32 to a rim 34 of a toilet bowl 35 comprised of a laterally extended, essentially flat structure 46; an extended structure 45 essentially configured as a vertical downward protrusion; and a means to secure 36 the device 31 to the toilet seat 32 wherein the special device may be used to stabilize the toilet seat 32 by providing additional vertical support between an uppermost surface of the rim 34A and the lower surface 32B of the toilet seat 32 and providing lateral support between an inner surface of the rim 34B and the protruded extension 45 of the device 31 which is firmly secured to the toilet seat 32.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats. It is understood, however, that the device 31 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGS. 1 A through 1 E are sketches and views of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats 32. FIG. 1 A demonstrates a section view showing the toilet seat 32 being supported by the new special support device 31. Here the lower surface of the seat 32B is along the lateral extension 46 of the stability device 31. This added section 46 provides added support to the toilet seat 32 by direct contact between the seat 32, the device 31, and the top surface 34A of the rim. The vertical protrusion 45 is at the inner surface of the rim 34B and provides a containment to keep the seat 32 from laterally slipping side to side. The preferred embodiment has two devices 31 per reconfiguration (see FIG. 2). The device 31 is firmly secured to the toilet seat 32 by a fastening means 36. Here the means shown for example and not limitation are two screw-like fasteners 37, 37A. With two screws, the device could be started with one, then cammed over against the rim 34 and then the second screw set and tightened in place for maximum lateral resistance.

FIG. 1 B shows a side view of the device 31. The same components are shown from another view. The vertical extension 45 is easily seen extending below the upper surface 34A of the toilet rim. Important to note is the traditional support tabs 33 between the seat 32 and the rim 34A. FIGS. 1C and 1D are section views showing alternative embodiments for the device as a square nosed device 31A or a rounded nose device 31B. Either configuration is adaptable. The two apertures 39 in the extended vertical 45 and the lateral 46 are to receive the screws or other fastening means. In FIG. 1 E, the aperture 39 is shown as well as kerfs 38. The kerfs 38 provide an easy means to guide a trimming of part of the device 31 to adjust to seats with various spacing between the lower seat surface 32B and the rim surface 34A. One may trim with a simple utility knife to get a snug fit of the device 31 in the space as desired.

The materials anticipated for the device 31 may be composite materials, a pressed wood, wood, a dense fiberboard or the like. A durable plastic such as poly propylene, acrylic, poly urethane, urethane, and the like will also serve well. Conceivably a very dense rubber or synthetic can be suited and adaptable. Some cases may also permit a metal or metal and plastic combination. The device is considered separate and fastened securely to the seat. However, the device could also be integrally molded or shaped with plastic and wood toilet seats as one skilled in molding well appreciates. Other fastening means are shown below.

FIGS. 3 A through 3 C are sketches of methods to secure the new support device 31 to the toilet seat 32. Options shown are a general fastening means 36 in FIG. 3 A, the two screws or dowels shown in FIG. 3 B and described above. Another means to secure the device 31 to the seat 32 could be an adhesive 40 or integral molding as stated above. FIGS. 3 D and 3 E are further sketches and details. FIG. 3 D shows a manner to divide two devices with process cuts 42 to provide two halves 41 and save considerable materials. This also shows the kerfs 38 described above for adjusting the thickness of the device 31. FIG. 3 E shows a sketch of potential fasteners 37, 37A. These could be metal or plastic or the like.

FIGS. 6 A through 6 C are sketches of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats in alternate embodiments. One or more of the devices could be placed as shown. The preferred two device mode 70 is shown in FIG. 6 A with the seat raised. FIG. 6 B shows the seat lowered and the devices 31 in place laterally constraining the seat 32. FIG. 6 C shows alternative embodiments with two additional side devices 72A (making a total of 4) and a rear device 72B. These are examples and not limitations to the scope and spirit of this invention.

All of the details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other components specific to describing the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of toilet seats and related devices in the plumbing industry well appreciates.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

The preferred embodiment of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats has been described in detail above. The manner of how the device operates is described below. A person having ordinary skill in the field of toilet seats and related devices in the plumbing industry will note that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats. FIG. 2; FIG. 4; FIG. 5; and FIG. 6 are examples of how to use the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats.

FIG. 2 shows the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats be used in its preferred mode on a toilet seat. The device 31 is selected, the fasteners 37 secure the device 31 to the underside of seat 32. The preferred embodiment shows two devices 31 spaced between the tabs 33. First one screw is placed, then the device 31 is cammed against the rim and the second screw is set. The alternatives in FIG. 6 explained above provide one or several devices 31 per seat 32. Also discussed in FIG. 3 were alternative means to fasten the device 31 to the seat 32.

FIGS. 4 A through 4 E show various toilet seats and examples for which the special support device for stabilizing toilet seats may be utilized. One understands the versatility of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats where it may be used with a wide variety of existing and new applications. The following is an example and not a limitation of the various toilet models compatible with the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats.

ITEM FIGURE DESCRIPTION REF. NO 1 FIG. 4 A Open-end seat and bowl 43 2 FIG. 4 B Closed end seat 44 3 FIG. 4 C Sketch of open-ended seat 51 4 FIG. 4 D Round end seat - 52 composite, wood, plastic or acrylic

FIGS. 5 A through 5 B shows the current means to support the toilet seat on the rim 34 of the toilet bowl. Basically the only support is from the rounded tabs 33 under the seat 32. These tabs 33 may be integrally molded or fastened to the seat by some means. The few number (4) in the example shown is occasionally increased with upscale models but have no feature to laterally support the seat from a side motion and sudden jolt if the seat 32 is under a heavy load. This contrasts to the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats 32 with the lateral stability provided by the elongated structure 45 contiguous to the inner rim 34B of the toilet bowl 35.

FIGS. 6 A through 6 C are sketches of new means of support with the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats in alternate embodiments. This was discussed above. The device 31 is selected, the fasteners 37 secure the device 31 to the seat 32. First one screw is placed, then the device 31 is cammed against the rim and the second screw is set. The alternatives in FIG. 6 explained above provide one or several devices 31 per seat 32.

With the above description it is to be understood that the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment. The features of the special support device 31 for stabilizing toilet seats are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description. 

1. A support device 31 made of durable materials and used for stabilizing a toilet seat 32 to a rim 34 of a toilet bowl 35 comprised of (a) a laterally extended, essentially flat structure 46 with features; (b) an extended structure 45 essentially configured as a vertical downward protrusion; and (c) a means to secure 36 the device 31 to the toilet seat 32 wherein the special device 31 may be used to stabilize the toilet seat 32 by providing additional vertical support between an uppermost surface of the rim 34A and the lower surface 32B of the toilet seat 32 and providing lateral support between an inner surface of the rim 34B and the protruded extension 45 of the device 31 which is firmly secured to the toilet seat
 32. The device is considered separate and fastened securely to the seat. However, the device could also be integrally molded or shaped with plastic and wood toilet seats as one skilled in molding well appreciates. Other fastening means are shown below.
 2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the durable material for the device 31 is a composite material.
 3. The device according to claim 2 wherein the composite material is a sturdy plastic material.
 4. The device according to claim 2 wherein the composite material is a fibrous pressed materials.
 5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the durable material for the device 31 is a dense rubber material.
 6. The device according to claim 5 wherein the rubber material is synthetic material.
 7. The device according to claim 1 wherein the feature of the extended support is a rectangular configuration.
 8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the feature of the extended support is a curved configuration.
 9. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means to fasten is at least one screw through the device into a bottom surface of the toilet seat.
 10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means to fasten is an adhesive between a bottom surface of the toilet seat and the an upper surface of the device
 31. 11. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means to fasten is by integrally manufacturing the device 31 into the seat. 